2014 Owner's Manual

1 1 CANOE ANATOMY

For over 40 years, the name Mad River Canoe has been LEGEND OF THE MAD RIVER RABBIT synonymous with quality and innovation. Our canoes provide YOKE Every great symbol has a legend. Sitting at the bow of every STERN SEAT GUNWALE T HWART CENTERLINE BOW SEAT the highest level of owner satisfaction in the industry. Mad River Canoe is ours. The story of the Confident Rabbit is STERN DECK BOW DECK We sincerely thank you for choosing Mad River Canoe as the PLAT E PLAT E rooted in northeastern Native American lore. As the tale is means to your next adventure. Whether you’re daydreaming told, the Confident Rabbit sits comfortably amidst the ferns of that special spot on the peaceful waters of the lake or paddling to the edges of the unknown, our canoes will provide enjoying his pipe, even though his mortal enemy, the Lynx, you the performance and confidence to get you there for prowls nearby. The Confident Rabbit is not concerned, for he years to come. relies on his wisdom and strengths and will once more escape the Lynx as he has time and time again. LENGTH STERN AMIDSHIP BOW The symbol of the Rabbit represents Mad River Canoe’s CONTENTS pledge that our canoes are built to the highest standards of STEM 3 Canoe Anatomy 7 Storage reliability and performance in the industry to give you the 4 Getting Started 8 Gunwales & Hull WATERLINE 5 Safety Care & Maintenance same confidence as the Rabbit. It’s that confidence in your 6 Transportation 10 Warranty Information canoe that allows you to focus on the environments and FREEBOARD DRAFT ROCKER adventures that await of you, trusting your boat will get you there, and safely home again.

This owner’s manual and additional information To learn more about hull designs and outfitting features of individual models, log onto is available at www.madrivercanoe.com. www.madrivercanoe.com. for product series videos and in depth analysis.

2 3 GET TING STARTED SAFETY

IMPORTANT: CHECK HARDWARE NOTICE: STATE REGULATIONS in position when paddler is seated yet move easily e. Slide the seat to desired trim position and lift Any person using canoes built and/or sold by • Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for use It is possible for fittings to work loose during shipping Some states require that all canoes be registered. when weight is removed. As paddler’s weights vary, the black cords up and to the inside of the jam Mad River Canoe is personally responsible for and outfitting of your canoe. the desirable tension on hardware will also vary. cleats and guide them to engage the cleat. determining that their abilities are equal or superior and handling. Check each seat, yoke, thwart, etc. to To register your canoe you will need your • Leave your paddling location and agenda with ensure it is firmly attached to the gunwales. Tighten Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO). This f. If you must leave seat in canoe while to the conditions encountered and exercising proper someone at home before departing. any loose fittings with a Phillips head screwdriver serves as the title to your canoe and should have To prevent wear and tear when transporting your transporting, make sure both cords are judgment in choice of where and when to paddle. canoe, either tighten hardware or tie off seat firmly engaged in the jam cleats. You may find and a 3/8" wrench. been provided when you took delivery. If not, check Any person using Mad River Canoes assumes all • Abide by all precautions placed on hull by with your retailer. If it has been lost, have your dealer position with either cord or bungee to prevent seat it necessary to use a cord to restrain the movement. backrest in a position where it does not contact risks and takes complete responsibility for any manufacturer. contact Mad River Canoe and we will provide a and all damages, or injuries, including death, INSTALLING GRAB LOOPS replacement. your vehicle. • Obtain certified first aid and rescue training and 2. The seat is adjustable in multiple ways for which may result from use or participation of Mad Included with your canoe is a packet containing two carry first aid and rescue equipment. NOTE: Make sure the serial number on your MSO SERENADE CS SEAT SYSTEM: maximum comfort. All adjustments are most easily River Canoes. lengths of cord to be used for grab loops at the ends matches that on your hull. The CS seat system in the Serenade is unique to done if your weight is not bearing on the of your canoe. Consult your physician prior to beginning your canoes and requires some guidance in order to component being adjusted. Lift your legs off the paddlesport training. Thread one cord through the hole under your deck at each maximize what it offers the paddler. leg lifter before raising or lowering it; lean forward DON’T FINDING YOUR SERIAL NUMBER end of the canoe and tie off into a loop. A fisherman’s 1. The seat is easily removed from the hull and it when adjusting the back rest, etc. • Never exceed your ability and assess how far or Flemish knot is strongly recommended for Your canoe’s serial number is stamped on a brass is strongly recommended to remove the seat from a. Trim position: DO and how long you can paddle and swim. plate or inscribed on the right side of the stern under 1. To adjust positioning of seat in hull, strength. It is also recommended that you set up the hull when transporting it on your vehicle. This • Wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation 3/16" – 1/4" diameter “painter” lines approximately the gunwale. You should record the serial number in not only makes getting the hull onto your vehicle disengage the cords from the cleats and • Never paddle alone. the space provided on the last page of this manual for slide seat to desired position and re-engage device (PFD). 8-10' in length at bow and stern of the canoe for easier due to reduced weight but it also eliminates • Never consume alcohol, drugs, or any other added security when landing or tying off the boat future reference. Your serial number is essential to the possibility that the seat may become loose and the cords in the cleats to secure. • Wear a helmet when paddling whitewater or in reclaim a lost or stolen b. To adjust footbraces, once seat is in desired substance that may affect your coordination, to shore. They can be tied off to the carry handle detach, creating a potential hazard to other vehicles the ocean. behind each deck or to the grab loops. Keep lines canoe, or to register and on the road or damage to your vehicle. position, raise the wand extending below the judgment or ability when paddling. footbrace pedal and pull towards to shorten reach coiled when not in use and out of the way. obtain warranty service. a. Locate the black cords running along each side • Get paddlesports instruction from a licensed or • Never paddle in flood conditions above the slide tubes. The cords route through a to pedals or push towards bow to lengthen certified instructor. NOTE: Adventure 14 and 16 are equipped with grab side mounted jam cleat on each side of the seat. reach. There is no specific position • Never allow minors to use the boat without adult handles. EXPEDITION 176, 186 & SERENADE TR Lift and pull cords towards the outside of the recommended for pedals; it is entirely a matter • Dress appropriately for weather conditions; cold supervision. SLIDING SEAT: hull to free them from the cleats. of personal choice. The wand should settle into water and/or weather can result in hypothermia. b. Grasp the seat at front and back and lift up on the a locked position when you release the end • Avoid bracing yourself in the canoe in such a NOTE: The sliding seat featured in the Expedition • Check your equipment prior to each use for signs 176, 186, and Serenade TR models is designed seat. This should free the molded flanges that nearest you. way that you have to release any outfitting to of wear or failure. to stay in desired position by the paddler’s body encircle the slide tubes on each side of the seat. c. To adjust the leg-lifter supports, grasp the escape. c. Rotate the seat slightly so that it can be ends of the webbing straps down by your thighs weight and friction on runners. The seat hardware • Scout unfamiliar waters. If necessary, paddle to • Do not use electric or gas motors without is intentionally sent loose to allow the user to lifted free of the gunwales and remove seat from and pull to tighten or loosen to lower the thigh shore and carry your boat past uncertain areas. determining if motor power is appropriate for tighten to their preference. A Phillips screwdriver hull and stow in trunk or inside of your vehicle. support to desired position. and 3/8" wrench is needed to adjust tension on d. To install the seat, insert at an angle to clear d. To adjust the angle of the backrest, locate • Stay aware of appropriate river water levels,tidal your model of canoe. Do not exceed weight or seat. Tighten hardware until slight resistance to the gunwales and then square up the seat. Press the buckle on the strap on the right side of changes, dangerous currents, and weather changes. power limitations where stated. movement is encountered. The seat should stay down on both sides at the same time until you seat and tighten strap to make the backrest hear and feel the flanges engage the slider tubes. more vertical or loosen to recline the backrest. 4 5 TRANSPORTATION STORAGE

SPORT RACKS OTHER TRANSPORTATION METHODS Canoes are best stored hull up/gunwales down AVOID THE FOLLOWING: CAUTION: USING COVERS – A cover will on evenly spaced supports, such as sawhorses or provide some protection from the elements, Sport rack systems consist of two If you plan to carry your canoe in the bed of a pick-up • Do not store the canoe leaning on its side or flat on beams securely attached to a wall or via web slings. but do not let the cover rest directly on the rigid steel crossbars supported truck, be aware that the canoe will be considerably the ground as this can deform the hull or flatten the Supports should be positioned approximately 1/3rd hull as the cover will trap condensation and by feet or towers that are clipped longer than your bed and may extend far enough hull over time. of the canoe length from each end. this can discolor the hull. Set wood or foam into your vehicle’s rain gutters or out behind your vehicle to require a red warning • Do not suspend the canoe right side up by hanging blocks on top of hull and drape cover over doorframes. The canoe rests on flag. Tie your canoe snugly into the bed and run it If possible, store the canoe indoors in a heated area, from the grabloops as this can increase the rocker these risers to create an air space between the crossbars and must be tied parallel to the vehicle; do not angle it to one side or but do not place near a direct source of heat or (curvature of keel) of the hull. hull and cover. Make sure cover is secured so off bow and stern to the vehicle and at each crossbar. the other as this can result in the canoe extending chemical vapors, such as a furnace or car exhaust. it will not blow off. These racks are very secure and function well for into neighboring traffic lanes. TIPS Take caution if the canoe must be stored outdoors • Do not place any objects on top of the canoe as this long distance hauling at high speeds. It is important On hot sunny days, relieve the tension in that it is securely tied down and not exposed to can also deform the hull. to ensure that the rack is rated adequately for the SECURING AND POSITIONING your tie downs if you’ll be leaving the canoe elements such as falling tree branches or snow loads. weight of your canoe. on a stationary vehicle for any length of time. Canoe should always be carried gunwales-down to Before storing for winter, also be sure to treat the hull avoid the chance it could fill with rainwater. A canoe Rainy weather will often result in ropes or straps with a UV protectant such as 303 Aerospace Protectant FOAM BLOCK RACKS full of water will weigh in excess of a 1000 lbs. and stretching and becoming loose so check them (found at harmonygear.com). If your canoe has wood Foam block systems are the least no vehicle is able to support that much weight safely. periodically in the event of inclement weather. gunwales, apply a fresh coat of Gunwale Guard (found expensive and also less secure Make sure your ropes or straps are snug and tight If using a bar rack overhead straps or ropes at harmonygear.com) before storing as well. than sport racks. They consist of but not so tight that they deform the hull in any way. should be routed inside of the rack towers. four foam blocks with milled slots Be careful tensioning the bow and stern tie downs to fit over the canoe gunwales. as it’s easy to overstress the hull by over tightening The canoe rests on the roof on these blocks and is these lines. Periodically check that straps remain secured at either end by ropes or straps running at proper tension and are not chafing or wearing to the car and by a single or multiple over center themselves, the vehicle, or the boat. straps or rope. Foam block systems are fine if you’re hauling your canoe locally and are handy when making a shuttle run, but are not recommended for long trips at highway speeds.

6 7 GUNWALE & HULL CARE & MAINTENANCE GUNWALE & HULL CARE & MAINTENANCE

HULLS COMPOSITE HULLS SEATS, THWARTS, YOKES WOOD GUNWALES VINY L GUNWALES ALUMINUM GUNWALES If the hull is damaged, identify whether it is cosmetic Each gunwale is treated to multiple coats of Periodic application of 303 Protectant is The black surface finish can be scratched or Modern hull materials require very little Any nicks or cuts in the marine spar varnish should maintenance other than periodic cleaning and or structural. Test for increased flexibility in the area be recoated as soon as possible. Lightly sand with Gunwale Guard before shipping from the factory. recommended to prevent gunwale from becoming abraded over time exposing aluminum surface. around the damage. Compare side of canoe with It is necessary to reapply Gunwale Guard to your brittle or fading in color. Apply according to Lightly sand scratches or abrasion with fine grit UV protection. 303 Protectant works very well fine grit sandpaper, wipe clean, and apply several with all hull materials. Waxing your hull is not damage to like area on the other side for lessened thin coats of varnish, allowing each coat to dry gunwales periodically for maximum longevity. The manufacturer’s instructions. Be aware gunwales sandpaper. Wipe surface clean with denatured rigidity or broken fabric feathers or strands which actual frequency will be determined by amount of will be slippery immediately after application. Use alcohol and apply coat(s) of flat black enamel paint. recommended because it does not adhere well to before the next application. Royalex or Polyethelyne hulls and inhibits more indicate structural damage. use and type of storage. Frequently used canoes caution in handling canoe. An annual application of varnish to the cane in the that are stored outdoors will need the most frequent Aluminum gunwales should be rinsed with effective protectants such as 303 Protectant. Most superficial scratches can be removed by wet fresh water after exposure to salt water to reduce seats will extend their longevity. Do not sand the applications. Plan on a minimum of 4 applications sanding with 200 or 400 grit sand paper followed cane; simply apply several light coats of varnish. possibility of corrosion. TRIPLE TOUGH™ (TT) HULL annually: when you remove canoe from winter by rubbing and/or polishing compound. Shallow Also, do not sand or varnish the webbing in the (ROTOMOLDED 3 LAYER POLYETHY LENE) storage, twice during the paddling season, and scratches are generally best left as-is or color webbed seats. again when you prepare the canoe for winter Most dents or depressions will often work themselves matched using aerosol spray paint. storage. Application of Gunwale Guard is not out if left exposed to bright sunlight. Heating the If gel coat is cracked or chipped it will be necessary to complicated or time-consuming. hull with a hair dryer or hot air gun can restore more remove loosened or lifted gel coat and fill repair area serious dents. Be careful to keep heating moving with color-matched gel available from your local Mad and do not bring heat source directly into contact River Canoe dealer. with the hull. Heat on side of the hull with dent and press against the other side of hull with hand If structural damage occurs, Aramid and Fiberglass to push back into position. Be careful of excessive Repair Kits are available from your Mad River heat, which can melt the Triple ToughTM skin. Canoe dealer. Professional assistance may be required from your dealer or someone with Over time, outer layers of the hull can abrade, experience repairing canoes. exposing the core. If this occurs, the hull exterior can be welded. Contact your local authorized Mad Periodically inspect the bottom of your hull to River Canoe dealer for information. determine if scratches have penetrated the interior layers of the hull. If you can see the fabric-like weave POLYETHY LENE HULLS of the fiberglass cloth, then you should repair the Periodic treatment with 303 Protectant will help area to prevent further damage. maintain factory color intensity. These hulls are exceptionally durable, but extensive damage or numerous cracks must be welded to repair. Eventually the integrity of the hull could be lost after many repairs and should be retired, recycled, and replaced.

8 9 LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS For the original retail purchaser (“Consumer”), If you have a problem with your canoe and you This limited warranty does not apply to: not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or Mad River Canoes by Confluence Outdoor provides a suspect that it may be due to defective materials consequential damages, so the above exclusion may IMPORTANT INFORMATION lifetime warranty against material or manufacturing or workmanship, contact the nearest authorized • Normal wear and tear and aging of product. not apply to you. • Canoes damaged by extreme weather or defects in the hull. Mad River Canoe dealer and arrange to have the To the extent any limitation or exclusion contained problem inspected. Consumer is responsible for environmental conditions. BOAT MODEL: Parts, accessories, and outfitting (including gunwales) • Canoes damaged while in possession of a freight herein is contrary to any country, state, or provincial are warranted for a period of one (1) year against delivery to, and pickup from, the closest authorized law, such limitation or exclusion shall be severable dealer. carrier, a dealer, consumer, or any party other SERIAL NUMBER: material or manufacturing defects from the date than Mad River Canoe. and all other terms herein shall remain in full force of purchase. If the authorized Mad River Canoe dealer’s inspection and effect and are valid and enforceable. • Canoes damaged by accident, neglect, improper DATE OF PURCHASE: For Mad River Canoes sold as “2nd quality” as indicates a defect that is attributable to materials or use or handling. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you workmanship, Confluence Outdoor will repair or • Canoes that have been towed by power or sail boats. may also have other rights. For Consumers who are indicated on the Manufacturer’s Statement of DEALER NAME: Origin (MSO), Confluence Watersports provides this replace your Mad River Canoe canoe free of charge • Canoes designated as Prototypes. covered by state, country or provincial consumer at the company’s option. Proof of purchase such as a • Canoes sold as “demos” or in “as is” condition. protection laws or regulations, the benefits from this limited warranty for five (5) years for the hull and PROVINCE/STATE: one (1) year for parts, accessories and outfitting. sales receipt may be required. If repairs or evaluation • Canoes determined to have been used for any warranty are in addition to all rights conveyed by This limited warranty is only valid with the purchase are required by Mad River Canoe at its manufacturing activity other than an activity which is customary such consumer protection laws and regulations. of a Mad River Canoe from an Authorized Mad River facility, the Consumer will be responsible for a for the product. Canoe Dealer. This warranty is non-transferable. $50.00 shipping and handling fee. • Canoes that have been structurally or dimensionally If service is required in a country that is not the altered or modified. country of purchase, Consumer will comply with • Canoes used for commercial or rental purposes. SERVICE & SUPPORT CONTACT US ACCESSORIES HOW TO REGISTER YOUR BOAT all applicable export laws and regulations and be This limited warranty excludes all other warranties, The warranty registration form should be responsible for all customs duties, value add tax expressed or implied, including implied warranties of If you have a problem with your canoe that you Phone: 888-52-KAYAK (888) 525-2925 A complete line of paddling accessories and completed online at www.madrivercanoe.com to be (VAT), and other associated taxes and charges. For merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, believe is covered under warranty, contact the Fax: (888) 373-1220 outfitting at the best value in the industry. activated. It is suggested that you keep your sales international service, the Mad River Canoe Distributor with regard to Mad River Canoe. Some state, country, nearest Authorized Mad River Canoe Dealer. may repair or exchange defective products and parts You can find a listing of all dealers on our website. Service and support hours are Monday through receipt should it be required in the future for proof or provincial laws do not allow the exclusion of Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. www.harmonygear.com of purchase. with comparable products and parts that comply with certain implied warranties, so the above exclusion If you have additional questions about your local standards. may not apply to you. canoe or accessories, please visit our online support webpage at www.madrivercanoe.com for resources Confluence Outdoor retains the right to satisfy This limited warranty excludes any incidental or warranty via repair or replacement of products or of or to find information on contacting a customer consequential damages or expenses resulting from service representative. components deemed defective. In addition, Mad River any defects. Confluence Outdoor’s aggregate liability Canoe reserves the right to replace original canoes or shall be limited to an amount equal to Consumer’s equipment with comparable current products. original purchase price paid for the defective product. Some state, country, or provincial laws do